The Dash is poem that was read at my late stepmom's funeral service. She was only 56 when she passed away from Auto Immune disease. It was describing the time that is between when you are born and when you die which is represented by a dash on your grave headstone. It was a very clever poem that summed up one's life by the dash. In the end it asked a very simple question "How are you spending your dash". It made me think of all the things I've done with my life and all the people I have the pleasure of meeting and knowing. Being a homebuilder and a Rv'er, I think we get to spend our dash pretty well. I would like to see how other people are spending their dash. Here's mine!
Born Aden Gene Rich: December 2, 1973 to Beryl Gene Rich and Christine Ann Walton in Portland Oregon.
1. Spent first four years in La Center, Washington where I love to go flying with my dad in his Piper Pacer. Went to Canada, on fishing trips in this airplane. I remember sitting on my sleeping bag looking out at the mountains going by at 4 years old. These are some of the first memories I have. I remember not being able to go when I was three and standing at the end of the runway watching my Dad and brother take off with out me. Mom says that was four long days until Dad and brother got back!
2. From five to fourteen I lived in Hockinson, Washington where I went to school, rode my motorcyle until the sun went down in the woods, played GI Joe out in the woods, fished all the local streams and ponds, depleted the local frog population capturing frogs, played capture the flag at night, went sledding during the winter, built tree houses, climbed lots of trees, irratated the neighbors, played baseball and soccer, and watch WWF wrestling on TV on Sat. morning.
3. Fourteen to eighteen, went to highschool, played varsity baseball and went to All State. Learned about girls!!!! Worked during the summer to get a car and learned how to drive.
4. Eighteen to twenty-two, went to college. Played varsity baseball, really learned about girls. Got a degree in Accounting and Finance. Learned that my parents weren't really so dumb after all.
5. Twenty-two to Thrity three. Graduated from college, got a job, got married to my wife Gretta.Helped my Dad build 6 RV's! Built a RV-6, RV-4 and help a friend build an RV-4 and a RV-6. Flew my 6 to Canada where I used to go fishing and sold it and flew it back to Ont, Canada. Bought a house and had two kids, Ava (3) and Auna (1). Having my 7th wedding anniversary this year and now working on a Rocket EVO.
Something I learned by Mary's passing. Life is too short. Don't sweat the small stuff! Have as much fun as you can. Be nice, even when it's hard. Accept others for who they are, not what you want them to be. Appreciate everyday, even when it's not going so well. Most of all, family is more important than airplanes, money, and worldly possesions. Treasure your spouse, your children, family, and your time here on Earth. I feel very blessed that I got to do all that I have and I don't think I've been spending my dash poorly!
Born Aden Gene Rich: December 2, 1973 to Beryl Gene Rich and Christine Ann Walton in Portland Oregon.
1. Spent first four years in La Center, Washington where I love to go flying with my dad in his Piper Pacer. Went to Canada, on fishing trips in this airplane. I remember sitting on my sleeping bag looking out at the mountains going by at 4 years old. These are some of the first memories I have. I remember not being able to go when I was three and standing at the end of the runway watching my Dad and brother take off with out me. Mom says that was four long days until Dad and brother got back!
2. From five to fourteen I lived in Hockinson, Washington where I went to school, rode my motorcyle until the sun went down in the woods, played GI Joe out in the woods, fished all the local streams and ponds, depleted the local frog population capturing frogs, played capture the flag at night, went sledding during the winter, built tree houses, climbed lots of trees, irratated the neighbors, played baseball and soccer, and watch WWF wrestling on TV on Sat. morning.
3. Fourteen to eighteen, went to highschool, played varsity baseball and went to All State. Learned about girls!!!! Worked during the summer to get a car and learned how to drive.
4. Eighteen to twenty-two, went to college. Played varsity baseball, really learned about girls. Got a degree in Accounting and Finance. Learned that my parents weren't really so dumb after all.
5. Twenty-two to Thrity three. Graduated from college, got a job, got married to my wife Gretta.Helped my Dad build 6 RV's! Built a RV-6, RV-4 and help a friend build an RV-4 and a RV-6. Flew my 6 to Canada where I used to go fishing and sold it and flew it back to Ont, Canada. Bought a house and had two kids, Ava (3) and Auna (1). Having my 7th wedding anniversary this year and now working on a Rocket EVO.
Something I learned by Mary's passing. Life is too short. Don't sweat the small stuff! Have as much fun as you can. Be nice, even when it's hard. Accept others for who they are, not what you want them to be. Appreciate everyday, even when it's not going so well. Most of all, family is more important than airplanes, money, and worldly possesions. Treasure your spouse, your children, family, and your time here on Earth. I feel very blessed that I got to do all that I have and I don't think I've been spending my dash poorly!